James Hetfield Wears Red Monkey's Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy Guitar Strap
On Stage
James Hetfield wore Red Monkey's custom Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy guitar strap, featuring exclusive white stitching, during Metallica and Lady Gaga's historic 2017 Grammy Awards performance of "Moth Into Flame," one of the most memorable rock collaborations in Grammy history.
Built for one of music's biggest stages, the custom strap became part of a live television moment that connected Metallica, Lady Gaga, the Grammys, and Red Monkey's growing legacy of stage-worn guitar straps.
When Metallica and Lady Gaga took the stage together at the 59th Annual Grammy Awards, millions of viewers witnessed one of the most talked-about rock performances in recent Grammy history.
The collaboration brought together Metallica's raw live power and Lady Gaga's fearless stage presence for a blistering performance of "Moth Into Flame."
While the performance is often remembered for its unexpected technical challenges, it also marked a major Red Monkey moment: James Hetfield performed wearing a special Grammy Edition of Red Monkey's Seek and Destroy guitar strap.
The Grammy Performance Seen Around the World
The 2017 Grammy performance became instantly memorable. Metallica brought the heavy precision, Lady Gaga brought full-force theatrical energy, and the broadcast turned into one of the most widely discussed live rock moments of the year.
For Red Monkey, the performance represented exactly what the brand has always been built for: real musicians, real stages, real pressure, and gear that has to look powerful while performing under intense live conditions.
On a stage watched around the world, James Hetfield's Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy strap was more than a piece of gear. It was part of the visual identity of the performance.
James Hetfield's Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy Guitar Strap
For the Grammy performance, James Hetfield wore a special Grammy Edition of Red Monkey's Seek and Destroy Guitar Strap .
Built specifically for the Grammy Awards performance, the Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy featured distinctive contrasting white stitching that set it apart from the standard production version. The custom strap combined Red Monkey's premium leather construction with the aggressive styling that has made the Seek and Destroy one of the company's most recognizable artist-associated designs.
Worn by James Hetfield during Metallica and Lady Gaga's performance of "Moth Into Flame," the Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy represents a unique moment in Red Monkey history — a custom stage-worn strap built for one of the most talked-about live television performances of the decade.
Built specifically for one of music's biggest stages, the Grammy Edition carried the same purpose as every Red Monkey strap: comfort, durability, balance, and unmistakable visual impact.
Whether seen in an arena, on tour, or under the lights of a televised Grammy broadcast, the Seek and Destroy strap reflects what Red Monkey does best — building leather guitar straps that become part of an artist's identity.
James Hetfield, Metallica, and Red Monkey History
James Hetfield is one of the most influential rhythm guitar players in rock and metal history. His playing style, tone, stage presence, and gear choices have influenced generations of guitar players around the world.
Red Monkey's history with James Hetfield began in 2016 when the company was commissioned to build a custom guitar strap for Metallica's MusiCares Person of the Year celebration honoring the band. The collaboration continued into one of Red Monkey's most recognizable artist moments when Hetfield wore the Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy guitar strap during Metallica and Lady Gaga's historic 2017 Grammy Awards performance.
Red Monkey has been proud to build custom leather guitar straps for Hetfield as part of a relationship rooted in stage performance, durability, and rock-and-roll design. Explore more musicians who wear Red Monkey on our Artists page.
Why the Seek and Destroy Strap Became a Red Monkey Icon
The Seek and Destroy guitar strap stands apart because it carries both product identity and artist history.
Its connection to James Hetfield and Metallica gives it a place in Red Monkey's larger history of artist-worn gear built for arena tours, television appearances, and world-class live performances.
Explore the Seek and Destroy Leather Guitar Strap and see why it remains one of Red Monkey's most recognizable stage-ready designs.
More Lady Gaga and Red Monkey Stories
The 2017 Grammy Awards performance was not the only time Lady Gaga and Red Monkey crossed paths. Nearly a decade later, Red Monkey was again called upon to build custom guitar straps for Gaga's live performances, beginning with a last-minute request for Coachella and continuing through the Mayhem era.
Shop the Look
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Frequently Asked Questions
What guitar strap did James Hetfield use at the Grammys with Lady Gaga?
James Hetfield wore Red Monkey's custom Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy guitar strap, featuring exclusive white stitching, during Metallica and Lady Gaga's 2017 Grammy Awards performance of "Moth Into Flame."
What is the Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy guitar strap?
The Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy was a special version of Red Monkey's Seek and Destroy guitar strap built for James Hetfield's 2017 Grammy Awards performance with Metallica and Lady Gaga. It featured distinctive white stitching that set it apart from the standard production version.
What is the Seek and Destroy guitar strap?
The Seek and Destroy is one of Red Monkey's most recognizable leather guitar strap designs and is closely associated with James Hetfield of Metallica.
Did James Hetfield wear a Red Monkey guitar strap?
Yes. James Hetfield has worn Red Monkey guitar straps during live performances, including the Grammy Edition Seek and Destroy strap.
Are Red Monkey guitar straps handmade?
Yes. Red Monkey guitar straps are hand-built in Los Angeles using premium leather and professional stage-ready construction methods.
Where can I buy a Red Monkey guitar strap?
You can shop Red Monkey guitar straps directly at RedMonkeyDesigns.com .